Philippine E-Journals

Darangen: The Epic of the Meranao

Labi Hadji Sarip Riwarung

 

Abstract:

The Meranao is one of thirteen Muslim ethno-linguistics groups in the Philippines. The group is located in the two provinces of Lanao-Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. Though their religion is Islam, the Meranaos have their own culture and tradition, which are distinct from the other Muslim ethnolinguistics groups. They have their own literature that includesIslamic stories, religious chants, folk songs, poems, and their noble epic called the Darangen, which serve as useful sources for understanding them. Thus, it is the key to the culture of the Meranao. The Darangen epic is one of the priceless traditions of the Meranao. It is an indigenous and pre-Islamic form of oral literature. Thus, on 25 November 2005, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed the Darangen as one of the masterpieces of the oral heritage of humanity. This paper describes the Meranao epic called Darangen, including its uses and the different ways of chanting it. It highlights the different episodes of this epic and its relation to the present situation of Meranao society. Thus, it can be said to be a complete showcase of Meranao moral values and tradition.